Problem-Solving: Developing A Holistic Framework for Corporate and Personal Success

Problem-solving is one of the most crucial skills today. The business landscape is evolving rapidly, and the ability to solve problems effectively has become the cornerstone of organizational success. Similarly, on a personal level, problem-solving determines the quality of decisions, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.

Whether in the boardroom or at home, challenges are inevitable. Individuals and organizations must master the art and science of problem-solving to gain a significant competitive advantage.

We are not short of methodologies for problem-solving, however, many frameworks remain too rigid or narrowly focused. They fail to address the complexity and interconnectedness of today’s challenges. They are developed with the silo mentality.

Businesses often struggle to break out of industry silos, while individuals may find themselves trapped in cyclical issues without a clear path forward. To bridge this gap, it is crucial to integrate corporate best practices with personal decision-making strategies, creating a universal yet adaptable approach to problem-solving.

This is critical because however excellent a framework is, it is people who develop and implement them. It becomes a huge win when a good problem-solving framework is implemented by an equally good problem-solver.

Some of the most influential organizations in the world – McKinsey, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC – have developed structured methodologies to dissect and resolve complex problems. These firms leverage data analytics, behavioural insights, and strategic foresight to provide solutions that drive efficiency and competitive differentiation.

Coincidentally, the principles they apply in corporate settings can also be adapted to personal life. These can enable individuals to make better choices, mitigate risks, and optimize their growth trajectories.

This piece explores existing problem-solving frameworks from leading consulting firms and introduces a new, holistic methodology – the RISE Model – designed to be equally effective in corporate and personal contexts.

When individuals and organizations leverage a structured yet flexible approach, they can turn problems into opportunities and thrive in an increasingly complex world.

The Foundations of Effective Problem-Solving

For decades, leading consulting firms have employed structured problem-solving frameworks to diagnose, analyze, and resolve complex business issues. Some of the most widely used methodologies include:

McKinsey’s Issue Tree and MECE Principle (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) ensure that problems are broken down logically without overlap or omission. This method ensures comprehensive problem decomposition, leading to clearer insights and more targeted solutions.

Deloitte’s As One Methodology emphasizes aligning leadership and culture to drive collaborative problem-solving. By fostering inclusivity and collective intelligence, Deloitte helps organizations leverage diverse perspectives for more effective solutions.

EY’s Value-Led Transformation requires that problems are framed in a way that aligns with long-term strategic value. This approach ensures that solutions are not only reactive but also contribute to sustainable growth and innovation.

KPMG’s Data-Driven Decision-Making leverages analytics to inform solutions. This framework emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence in problem-solving, reducing bias and improving predictive accuracy.

PwC’s Experience-Based Problem-Solving integrates historical insights and behavioural economics to drive pragmatic solutions. Learning from past successes and failures empowers organizations to make more informed decisions and avoid repeating mistakes.

These frameworks offer valuable insights albeit remaining segmented and focusing on either corporate or personal contexts rather than integrating the two. Furthermore, many existing models are either overly complex or too narrowly defined. This makes them difficult to apply in dynamic and uncertain environments.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive and adaptable problem-solving framework, I propose the RISE Model. This is a holistic approach that integrates the best aspects of these methodologies while being flexible enough to apply to both corporate and personal challenges.

The Holistic Problem-Solving Framework Proposal: The RISE Model

RISE stands for Recognize, Investigate, Strategize, and Execute.

1. Recognize (R) – Identifying the Core Issue

The first step is correctly defining the problem. Often, what appears to be the problem is merely a symptom of a deeper issue. In corporate settings, this involves stakeholder alignment, root cause analysis, and market intelligence. On a personal level, it requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and contextual understanding.

Example: A corporation experiencing declining sales must determine whether the issue lies in pricing, competition, marketing strategy, or operational inefficiencies. Similarly, an individual struggling with work-life balance should analyze whether the root issue is time management, unrealistic expectations, or lack of delegation.

2. Investigate (I) – Gathering Data and Insights

Once the problem is defined, the next step is to collect relevant data and insights. This can be achieved through qualitative methods (interviews, case studies, customer feedback) and quantitative techniques (financial analysis, surveys, benchmarking).

Example: A company dealing with high employee turnover might conduct exit interviews and analyze compensation benchmarking. Personally, someone facing career dissatisfaction might seek mentorship and personality assessments to gain clarity on the underlying concerns.

3. Strategize (S) – Designing and Evaluating Solutions

This step involves generating potential solutions and evaluating their feasibility, impact, and alignment with strategic goals. Decision matrices, scenario planning, and risk assessment frameworks help in this phase.

Example: A business exploring market expansion can use a SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces to assess risks and opportunities. A professional considering a career shift might use a decision tree to evaluate potential career paths based on personal values, financial stability, and long-term growth.

4. Execute (E) – Implementing and Iterating

Finally, the solution must be implemented with agility and continuous improvement. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should be established to measure success, and feedback loops should ensure adaptation as needed.

Example: A company launching a new product should use agile methodologies, continuous feedback mechanisms, and A/B testing. A person pursuing a new career path should set short-term milestones, seek mentorship, and remain adaptable.

Bridging The Corporate and Personal Gaps

The RISE Model emphasizes that the same principles guiding Fortune 500 companies can also apply to individuals striving for personal success. This could be navigating a business crisis or making a life-changing decision.

Recognizing the core problem, investigating thoroughly, strategizing effectively, and executing with precision can transform challenges into opportunities.

Today, where complexity is the norm, mastering problem-solving is no longer just a skill—it is a competitive advantage. Adopting a structured yet adaptable approach like the RISE Model can transform both businesses and individuals by helping them navigate uncertainty with confidence, resilience, and clarity.

NB: Next week, we will derive a bit deeper into the RISE model and have an understanding of how to implement it.